Apple has launched iOS 18.5, introducing a key feature that enables the iPhone 13 series to utilize satellite messaging capabilities provided by carriers.
With this update, T-Mobile users possessing an iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro, or iPhone 13 Pro Max can now access its satellite messaging service powered by Starlink. Currently, this service is available for free to users in the US during the trial period, which concludes in July.
Apple clarifies that the update permits iPhone 13 models to utilize “carrier-provided” satellite features, implying that Apple’s own satellite features such as Emergency SOS, available on iPhone 14 models and newer, will not be accessible on these devices.
iOS 18.5 also adds a new Pride-themed wallpaper and a new feature for Screen Time that shows parents a notification when their child uses the Screen Time on their device. There are also changes to the Mail app, according to 9to5Mac.
Here are the full update notes, from Apple:
This update also includes the following enhancements and bug fixes:
A new Pride Harmony wallpaper
Parents now receive a notification when the Screen Time passcode is used on a child’s device
Buy with iPhone is available when purchasing content within the Apple TV app on a 3rd party device
Fixes an issue where the Apple Vision Pro app may display a black screen
Support for carrier-provided satellite features is available on iPhone 13 (all models). For more information visit:
Some features may not be available for all regions or on all Apple devices. For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit:
Apple also released macOS Sequoia 15.5 and watchOS 11.5, and I’ve linked 9to5Mac’s articles about the changes in those updates.
